LONDON, United Kingdom — Jon Rahm is one of the most successful and admired athletes of the moment. The golfer accumulates trophies and has the recognition of teammates, fans and the press not only for what he does on the green but also for his behavior and his work outside of it. He knows what struggle is and how to overcome obstacles, so he doesn’t mind making an extra effort to help those who need it most, especially the most vulnerable children. This is why always Jon Rahm advocates charity.
Struggling from Birth
Jon Rahm knows what it is to struggle as he has faced physical challenges from birth. Born with his right foot turned at a 90-degree angle to the left, Rahm underwent a series of procedures, including multiple castings up to the knee, during his early weeks. This led to a significant disparity in the growth of his right leg, resulting in limited ankle mobility and a leg that’s a centimeter and a half shorter. This situation, instead of weighing him down, spurred him to strive, adapt to such challenges and improve his life.
Despite having a handicap, Jon practiced several sports such as football and basketball.
However, it was golf that brought out the best in him after he tried it by chance one day when his family was invited to a course. Rahm adapted his swing to work around the constraints, opting for a shorter, more controlled motion that maximizes his power and consistency on the course.
This desire for self-improvement also helped him adapt to the United States and Arizona State University where he studied communication, with the coach playing a key role in his acclimatization to the country and the language.
Professional Success
After winning several amateur trophies, he became a professional in 2017. In his relatively brief career, Jon Rahm has achieved a great deal. He secured victory in a total of 12 professional tournaments, encompassing six on the PGA Tour and another six on the European Tour. Rahm has also held the esteemed position of being the world’s number-one golfer on multiple occasions.
Rahm’s most significant triumph came in 2021 when he conquered the U.S. Open. Concluding the tournament with an impressive score of six under par, he outperformed Louis Oosthuizen by a single stroke. Rahm’s victory at the U.S. Open marked a historic moment, as he became the first Spanish golfer to claim this prestigious title.
His numerous accomplishments have not prevented him from dedicating himself to his family, nor to another of his most admired endeavors — charity advocacy.
Receive and Give
All the successes achieved by Jon have not only brought him sporting prestige and admiration, but also economic benefits. This also made him stand out, not just because of the amounts accumulated, but because he used those earnings to collaborate with charitable works and make donations to noble causes. And it’s that since his amateur days and his early tournaments, Jon Rahm has advocated charity.
He made his debut in a World Golf Championship at Golf Chapultepec, Mexico, in 2015, facing off against some of the world’s top golfers even though he was still an amateur at the time. This connection to Mexico holds a special place in Rahm’s heart, as it’s where he experienced many significant career milestones.
In a gesture of gratitude, Rahm decided to donate one thousand euros for every birdie and three thousand euros for every eagle he scores during the tournament to the Mexican Red Cross Association. These funds will aid victims affected by recent earthquakes in Mexico. The Mexican community and tournament organizers have responded with immense appreciation, and Rahm’s sponsor, Isagenix, has pledged to match his donation.
At the WGC Mexico Championship, Rahm’s performance was commendable. Through his exceptional play, Rahm has already raised six thousand euros for the cause. With Isagenix’s promised matching donation, the total contribution will reach twelve thousand euros. This generous act not only demonstrates Rahm’s commitment to giving back but also showcases the strong connection he holds with the Mexican community.
As it could not be otherwise, Jon Rahm advocates charity in his country. He inaugurated a golf garden at Niño Jesus Hospital in Madrid, Spain. The player expressed his deep gratitude for being part of this event, calling it an “incredible moment.” The hospital not only caters to general pediatric care but also dedicates a significant portion to children battling cancer. Rahm was moved by the resilience of these children: “Out of 60 kids on that wing, only 10 could make it outside because they were in good enough health. They are always the happiest kids I know. It puts our problems very much in perspective and it was truly special to be a part of it.”
Jon Rahm Advocates Charity
Rahm’s philanthropic endeavors are commendable. He established the Jon Rahm Golf4Kids Foundation, which raises funds for projects supporting children through golf. This foundation collaborates with organizations like the Aladina Foundation, which played a vital role in creating the golf garden at Niño Jesus Hospital. Additionally, Rahm has worked closely with the Kisner Foundation, which focuses on assisting children in need of physical and mental health support. He has generously donated items for auction to contribute to their cause.
Rahm is a dedicated supporter of the Seve Ballesteros Foundation, actively contributing to their mission of promoting golf values to young people and funding research for brain cancer. His involvement in these initiatives reflects his genuine commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children facing various challenges.
– Christian Teruel
Photo: Wikimedia Commons